Q: I have a lot of shrubs on my property, mostly holly, nandina and conifers. Most are over five years old and are fertilized each year. Would skipping a year be a mistake? A: If established shrubs are mulched, they...

Q: I have several old water oak trees. Big chunks of branches and green leaves are falling. A: Big oaks commonly lose “tufts” of green branches in early summer after rainstorms. Trees put on a lot of lush growth in...

Q: I have noticed in my neighborhood that folks are drilling water wells to irrigate their yards thereby skirting state-mandated watering bans. Will this have a negative impact on the ground water supply that we all share? A: According to...

Q: Do you have a seed exchange to recommend for annuals and perennials (not including vegetables) that will do well here in metro Atlanta? A: I recently talked to a lady in Armuchee who has sold flower seed through the...

Q: My squash needs your help! Where can I buy sabadilla dust for squash bugs and borers? A: Sabadilla dust is derived from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, a South American lily. It was once sold as a botanical insecticide...

Q: Over the years we have had a lawn and pest control service and used a mosquito spray around the house. Have the plants or soil been permanently contaminated? A: I don’t believe there is any contamination. Most modern pesticides...

Q: For the past two years, the water oak over our deck has been raining sap in the spring. It creates a horrible sticky mess that turns black and dirty. What causes this? A: I think you have lecanium scale...

Q: I want to sell two beautiful, well-established laceleaf Japanese maples. We are moving but cannot take them with us. Do you know of any place to contact A: According to Japanese maple expert Norm Mittleider, there is a very...

Q: My arbor gets lots of sun with a little afternoon shade. What is the best vine to plant that is not too invasive? A: I’m very pleased with the Confederate jasmine, Trachelospermum jasminoides, growing on a similar arbor in...

Q: How can I rid my yard of earwigs? They are at my house by the thousands. A: Earwigs mostly feed on plant debris but if numbers build large enough they will consume living plants. The damage isn’t considered major,...

Q: Our river birch trees have roots coming up all over our yard. They are ruining the grass. I’d like to replace them but what would be a good tree to plant? A: Roots appearing on the surface indicate hard...

Q: I planted three May Night salvia a few weeks ago. They looked great for a while but now they’re not blooming at all. A: ‘May Night’ is a great reblooming salvia but faded bloom spikes must be removed regularly....

Q: How soon after planting zoysia sod should it be fertilized? A: Feed new zoysia sod once it starts growing vigorously, typically after you’ve had to mow it once. I recommend two half-strength applications a month apart. Do not apply...

Q: Your vegetable book says that some gardeners soak okra seeds in pure bleach for five minutes to speed up sprouting time. Won’t that hurt the seed? A: Like you, I was doubtful so I did a test recently. I...